British High Commissioner to Malaysia Vicki Treadell said the move would also help Malaysia become an education destination in the region.

“The promotion of the English language has a central place in our efforts  building on the ongoing work of the British Council, who apart from the English language courses they run, assists the Malaysian government to train teachers to teach English,” she said in her speech at Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday reception here today.

She said currently nearly 17,000 Malaysians are studying in the UK.

Treadell added that this is in addition to the new generation of Malaysians studying in 30 British schools and five British universities as well as the 58,000 people who are pursuing British qualifications.

“That is why we are making 2016 our great Year of Education in Malaysia,” Treadell said.

Apart from education, she said the UK-Malaysia relationship had seen groundbreaking Malaysian investments in the UK in recent decades.

“In more contemporary times, the top 24 British companies account for over 70,000 Malaysian jobs and an investment value of RM86 billion,” she added.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed and a member of the Kedah royal family, Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, were among those present at the event organised by the British High Commission Kuala Lumpur. ― Bernama